Minneapolis, Minnesota

Action(s) Taken

Recycling Policies

Population

400,000

Overview of Recycling Requirements

Minneapolis requires all businesses and multi-family units (MFUs) to provide recycling services for at least paper, cardboard, metal cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles and jars. Multi-family includes any residential property with two or more dwellings.

Businesses are required to store recycling bins in a convenient location, provide collection services at least twice per month and submit a written recycling plan that describes the services offered by the commercial building upon the city’s request.

The city of Minneapolis provides recycling services to single-family residents and apartments with fewer than four units. Residents receive a recycling rebate on their bill if they participate in the program, and rates are based on a pay-as-you-throw system with larger trash containers costing incrementally more than smaller cans.

Background

Minneapolis has a long-standing residential recycling program and has required apartment recycling since the early 1990s. While many businesses were voluntarily recycling, the city wanted to expand recycling services throughout the entire community and in 2011 required all businesses to have recycling services as part of the city’s effort to reach a 50% diversion rate by 2013.

Education and Enforcement

Businesses must provide education to tenants and employees on how to recycle. MFU property owners are required to distribute recycling information to residents but it is the hauler who is required to provide that information to property owners.

The business and MFU ordinances are enforced via written warnings notifying offenders that they have 10 days to comply. Any further violations will lead to fines. Haulers who are found to be in violation can have their license suspended or revoked.

Haulers serving MFUs must report annually to the city on the locations receiving recycling services, which materials were collected and how much, and where the materials are taken for recycling.